Crafting Emails That Get Noticed
My Vogue Experience: A Lesson in Email Etiquette
I’ll never forget the three times I applied to Vogue, only to receive an interview on my third attempt. The first two times, I took a formal and then a creative approach, but neither yielded a response. It wasn’t until I wrote a personalized email to a human – Vogue’s Managing Editor, to be exact – that I received a reply. This experience taught me the importance of email etiquette, a lesson I’m eager to share with you.
The Secret to Writing Emails That Get Replies
When emailing strangers, it’s essential to stand out in a crowded inbox. Here are seven tips to help you craft emails that get noticed:
1. Craft a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is the first impression, so make it count. Ditch the formal, straightforward approach and opt for something concise, human, and enthusiastic. Examples that work well include “Let’s Grab Coffee?” or “I’d Love to Discuss X Opportunity.”
2. Get Straight to the Point
With the average person receiving 120 emails per day, you need to be brief and to the point. Aim for a total of 125 words or less, and consider attaching additional information in a Word doc or Google doc link.
3. Make It Easy to Read and Respond
Apply email psychology by making your email easy to read and respond to. Avoid lengthy emails that may overwhelm your recipient, and instead, focus on making it easy for them to take action.
4. Clearly State Your Ask
Ensure your email clearly states what you’re asking for or what you’d like to happen. This will help your recipient understand your intentions and take the desired action.
5. Format Your Email for Success
Good grammar is a given, but formatting is also crucial. Use bullet points, headings, and italics where appropriate to make your email easy to scan.
6. Infuse Your Email with Personality
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your email. Research shows that using positive language can increase response rates by 10-15%.
7. Time Your Email Strategically
While experts claim Tuesday morning is the best time to send emails, I believe it’s more about sending emails when you, yourself, would be most likely to open them. Experiment with different timing to find what works best for you.
By following these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting emails that get noticed and spark meaningful conversations.
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